|
Member System Forum System Pictures and Descriptions |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
A change is gonna come - And it did!
Strange things do happen and mine came one after the other. First the bad - I had my gall bladder removed, no big deal but if its cancerous, it is! By God's grace, I was given a chance to live again, for a reason as all my pious Christian friends told me. And I am very thankful for that.
Next came my entire system change, or like 90% of it. After a few months of waiting for custom build amps, cables, the wait for the elusive Sliver Oppo BDP105, except for cables, they all came in this week. The entire system is still NOT completely setup as there are still missing XLR cables from Kondo, which I am assured they will be in 2 weeks time. Just nice as I will be leaving for a conference in Ireland tonight. Still, I want to share my happiness. Yes, pictures, and lots of pictures will be posted. For starters, I have bought a completely restored vintage Thorens TD125 with an SME M2-12R tonearm with Ortofon Rondo Bronze from Vinyl Nirvana. When I received it, I was amazed at the meticulous packaging, the immense beauty of the plinth, yes - SOLID WOOD, in this case Morado (Bolivian Rosewood), polished platter, clean faceplate and everything else. Simply beautiful. My other turntable, the Dr Feickert Firebird, had a new companion, a 12 inch Ortofon RS309D with a SPU Royal GM MKII. Now the older Triplanar UII MkVII with the Miyajima Shilabe will need to vie for my attention from these 2 competition. Will provide a comparison between all 3 cartridges and arms and post it. All three arms are routed to the Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono stage and itself a beauty. It even has remote controllable control over switching as well as set up. The Meridian Sooloss, now better know as Meridian Digital Media System had undergone a major change. The C15 is retained as this is STILL THE BEST PHYSICAL user interface I have ever come across, not to mention the software via the iPad. As I have moved on from the Meridian 808.5 with the built in ID41, upgraded the older Twinstore 3TBx2 to a newer MD600, now with 4TBx2, with matching MS600 (basically doing what the ID41 used to do, albeit the understanding that it is not on par as the ID41) as I do need this to "translate" the files before it hits the pre-amp. Yes, there are many other music files players out there, the newer Aurender W20, with the Calyx Femto DAC, the Lumin Network Music Player which I have considered but in the end, to me, the Meridian combo is still the "best", in terms of familiarity, and more importantly, the ease of use. Meridian just got it right with the user interface! The Oppo BDP105 replaced the older BDP95, more so I wanted a matching SILVER coloured piece. Oh well, vanity does takes a place in pride of ownership as all my gears are silver in colour. The dealer had been nice enough to get me this coveted piece with full multi code and region done up. Basically, this is for video and not much else. I have considered getting a SACD/CD player, from a near mint, custom build ALL silver (pillars and body) used Wadia S7, their last masterpiece to the Esoteric K-01 with matching new design Rubidium Clock, but in the end, decision is to "hold" and wait a little longer. A Tuner is no longer on the list, though I did consider the Magnum MD107 & MD108 as the Meridian provided digital radio support. More so, radio listening is for background, hence, its on hold and on the last priority. As the speakers are the Avantgarde DUO Mezzo G2, in Jacaranda Rosewood finish, ordered the same finish for the front panels on their X Series Amplifiers. To say they are gorgeous is an under-statement as the real thing is so very beautiful, and very solidly built too. The pre-amp works on both current and battery mode, switchable to user's preference. And they ARE heavy. Each weighing more than 40 kilos. And the pre-amp is all XLR. No RCA's. One of the very few marques to go this way (understand Audio Research is one of the few who go this way too). And the system had my name all over it. Yes, they had my name ENGRAVED to the back of the amps as well as the speaker (this one, a special request). Why you may ask, something kinky I would share later in my review later on. All cables, power and interconnects are from Kondo. Very beautifully hand-made. For the price, I cant complain. Now its just to see/listen if the performance is good. Of course, I am not expecting them to outperform those higher priced ones, but if they are a harmonious match to the system I have today, I am happy. A major change for me as Meridian uses speaker link, basically Ethernet cables. Power distributor is the Audience aR12 - which I am happy with today. This would probably be upgraded to the aR12TSS after I have done a thorough comparison with the Shunyata Triton+Typhoon combo to which the dealer sang praises of - and he represent BOTH these brands. And the Shunyata combo is the cheaper of the 2 too, although short by 4 outlets. OK, so much for the introduction on my system change. When I am back a week later, and the remaining Kondo cables arrived, will share my experience with this new system, a first for me, as I have never heard them TOGETHER. All of them were bought based on different equipment pairing. I just hope I wont be disappointed, as these are NOT cheap acquisitions, even after the trade in of my entire Meridian system, to which I must honestly admit, I could not find fault with. Is this a case of change for changing sake? I really hope not. But then, more often than not, its about the "passion" in changing! What irony. Cheers!
__________________
Turntable: SME Synergy All-In-One Thorens TD147 Jubilee + Plixir LPS + Ortofon A-Mono DS Audio ION 1 SACD/DAC: Luxman D-10x Server: Roon Nucleus+ 8TB SSD + Plixir Elite LPS Bluray: ModWright Oppo UDP205 Amps: Air Tight ATC-5/ATM300R/ATH-3 Speakers: Avantgarde Uno XD Piano Black/Stealth Grey Cables & Interconnects: Audience Au24 SX Series Power Conditioner: Audience aR6 OX Rack & Amp Stands: Audio-Philar |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Jerry... I'm very glad to hear you have good health!
__________________
Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Jerry
I was surprised when you told me about this a couple of weeks ago. I am sure that the new system is going to sound very different from the top of the line Meridian you have been using for some time now. In the end I think you may miss that new ID41 card in your 808v5. Keep us up to date on the system as you break it in and find the correct location for those horns. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Jerry:
1. Very HAPPY for your health ! Long life to you buddy ! 2. Changing gear completely is exciting. I'm sure that you will be thrilled with the new system. Waiting for the pics !
__________________
There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats Albert Schweitzer |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Jerry.......Good to know you areback in good health and recovered from the surgery. Long life to you my friend.
What a HUGE change in system components. Sounds fabulous. Now you MUST stay out of the hi-fi stores.
__________________
Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Welcome back and good health, Jerry.
__________________
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Wow Jerry, you escaped something ugly there!
Congrats and enjoy your new gear! We're waiting patiently (not!) for pics.
__________________
Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Jerry, I am very happy the surgery went well and that you have recovered.
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Gentlemen, when I am back, I will snap pictures of the system ... but the review will come later. Promise. Anyway, there's no need for me to review the Oppo as that is many times covered professionally by magazines and audiophiles. I will cover the gears I loved most, the vintage rebuilt/restored Thorens TD125, the Dr Fieckert and the 2 arms/cartridges as well as the Rhea Signature. Of course, then Avantgarde Beauties, X Pre/Power with the DUO Mezzo G2's. And I will NOT sing praises of them IF they do perform badly or not meet my expectations. I do recognised that sometimes what one hears in the store may not be the same in the home environment. Still, there must be some form of consistencies in performance albeit there are difference in acoustical properties of different rooms.
I shall be home on weekend from Ireland. And will promise to write. Cheers!
__________________
Turntable: SME Synergy All-In-One Thorens TD147 Jubilee + Plixir LPS + Ortofon A-Mono DS Audio ION 1 SACD/DAC: Luxman D-10x Server: Roon Nucleus+ 8TB SSD + Plixir Elite LPS Bluray: ModWright Oppo UDP205 Amps: Air Tight ATC-5/ATM300R/ATH-3 Speakers: Avantgarde Uno XD Piano Black/Stealth Grey Cables & Interconnects: Audience Au24 SX Series Power Conditioner: Audience aR6 OX Rack & Amp Stands: Audio-Philar |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Jerry, good to know you've recovered OK. And yes it's time for a system overhaul. You've been quiet for a few years.
|
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |